Quote:
Originally posted by AKA2D '91
I am not working in a field that relates to my degree(s). I am teaching. I just received, ,or am in the process of receiving my certification. I have a BA in Political Science and a mater's in Public Admin with a specializaton in healthcare admin. Before I got out of undergrad, I wanted to go to law school. As the time approached to get prepared for the LSAT, etc., I changed my mind. So, I had decided to go to grad school. While in grad school, I found out that what most employers are looking for is WORK EXPERIENCE, WORK EXPERIENCE. I did not have it.
So as I completed my graduate work, I needed a job. I was 23 and had not worked a day in my life. I was told that I could teach, even though I did not have a background in Education. So I have been doing that every since 96.
However, my advice to anyone is while they are still undergrads is to INTERN, INTERN, INTERN, WORK, WORK, WORK. Many times a degree does not matter. Employers will hire someone who has the EXPERIENCE, rather than the degree...
unless you have the "hook up".
Oh, also, take a few Education courses here or there...you never will know, you might need it. There is a teacher shortage ALL over the country. The pay is not anything to brag about, but the time OFF is wonderful! I have been on vacatation since May 31. We do not go back to work until August 17. EVERY weekend off and the major holidays...
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2D, we have so much in common that it is ridiculous!
I graduated in '01 and I had NOWHERE to turn. I had been in school for what seems like my whole life. I had never had a job- not even a lemonade stand. I felt like I was on the brink of despair. I couldn't find any job, let alone it being in my field. Most of the business world is based on nepotism. You HAVE to have the "hook-up." So, I took a job working for an eyeglass company and felt miserable everyday. How could I have so much education and a DEGREE and wind up there?
So, I pulled myself together and I found a job teaching school. I am currently working on my certification as well. In undergrad, I had NO interest in teaching. I would even question my friends who were in Education. Now that I am teaching, I can only WISH that I had majored in Education. I would be better off now. Of course the pay is not spectacular (but that also plays into me not being certified yet), but it is cool for just starting out. I know a lot of people complain about the pay (and I do too), but I can't complain as much because the salary is suiting. It pays my rent, other bills, and I still have money to spare each month. It could be worse.
I have to agree with 2D. There is a REAL shortage of teachers, especially in urban areas. It is something to consider. I don't plan on teaching forever. I do plan on doing it for a while though. I love my job abd I love the fact that I tough the lives of so many kids. It's a rewarding career. Although I love teaching, I just decided that I am interested in pharmacy. Therefore, while working on my certification/Master's degree, I will be preparing to go back and earn a B.S. in Pharmacy. Life is not cut and dried for me. I go after everything that I want. You do not have to stick to one major/field/career. Take advantage of all that life has to offer. If there is one thing that my few years have taught me it is KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN!!
P.S. Here is a tip that NO college advisor/counselor/etc. will tell you: College is NOT the real world!!!! NO class can teach you about that. Take internships, assistantships, externships, anything REGARDLESS of how dead-in it seems. Even if you get the newspaper and fix coffee, you will know the inner workings of that company/business. You may discover that it is the most horrible/fasinating field. And believe me, when graduation day comes and you need a job, HIJ is more likely to hire you, the girl who only fixed coffee, over Jane Plain that never did an internship or worked a day in her life.